Women miners toil for R1200

 

On the face of it this is an enlightened story about how women, who in the past were not allowed to go down mine shafts, are now being employed in this sector. On closer examination, it surfaces that the story is in fact about blatant discrimination that is made to look acceptable on the premise that women should be grateful to have a job at all “But pioneers who have broken into a man’s world are not complaining.” The main sources are the mine financial manager, who says the mine has no choice; and a male spokesperson for the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) who makes a lame reference to the fact that agreements with unions should be respected. Only one of the women, who took the view that “half a loaf is better than nothing” is interviewed. It would appear that she is interviewed at the mine itself, rather than away from the mine, possibly in the same vicinity as the employer. In these circumstances, it is hardly to be expected that the women would complain about being exploited. Missing voices include the several bodies set up in South Africa to ensure the equal rights of all citizens, such as the Employment Equity Commission; the Commission on Gender Equality and the Human Rights Commission.   

 

When using this case study, start by asking participants in the room how many feel the women are being unfairly exploited and how many do not. This is a telling indicator of the extent to which such stories often appear daily in the media with no critical analysis, and their effect on public perceptions.

 

Click here for additional training resources and information. Refer to fact sheet nine.